PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. President, thank you for your time, and thank
you for your courage.

We talked about two issues primarily. First, I do want to discuss
Lebanon. The President is deeply concerned about Lebanon, the fate of
the Siniora government, as am I. We're concerned about radical elements
undermining the democracy. It is clear that Hezbollah, which has been
funded by Iran, can no longer justify its position as a defender against
Israel when it turns on its own people. This is a defining moment; it's
a moment that requires us to stand strongly with the Siniora government
and to support the Siniora government. And the President was quite
articulate about his concerns -- and I appreciate you sharing your
strategy with me.

And then we talked, of course, about the Palestinian state. I told
the President that I am absolutely committed to working with he and his
negotiators, as well as the Israelis, to get a state defined. And I do
so for a couple of reasons. One, it breaks my heart to see the vast
potential of the Palestinian people really wasted. They're good, smart,
capable people that when given a chance will build a thriving homeland.
It'll be an opportunity to end the suffering that takes place in the
Palestinian Territory.

And the second reason I am for it is because it's the only way for
lasting peace. The President and his team are committed to peace. They
stand squarely against those who use violence to stop the peace process.
And for that I admire you and your team, Mr. President, and I commit to
you once again that our government will help achieve a dream, a dream
that you have -- and the truth of the matter is, a dream that the
Israelis have, which is two states living side by side in peace.

So thank you for coming, appreciate it.

PRESIDENT ABBAS: (As translated.) Mr. President, thank you very
much for receiving us today. Of course we have talked about the peace
process and the negotiations that are taking place these days between us
and the Israeli side. We know very well that you, personally, as well as
your administration, are committed to reach peace before the end of
2008. Therefore, we are working very seriously and very aggressively
with the hope that we will be able to achieve this objective before the
end of the year.

We have talked with the President about the details of the
negotiations that are taking place between our side and the Israeli
side. And of course we also talked about a wide range of issues that
affect the entire region, but also affects the Palestinian people.
Because it is very important for us that the entire Arab region will be
living in stability in order to be able to achieve peace in our
Palestinian Territory.

We are very delighted that the President is following all the
details of everything and every discussion that is taking place in the
Palestinian negotiations, as well as issues in the region.

Therefore, we're delighted to continue our engagement with you,
Mr. President, in order to be able to achieve all the objectives, which
are ours and yours at the same time.